The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is pleased to announce a five year sponsorship starting in January 2012 which sees Nestlé become the main sponsor of the IAAF Kids’ Athletics programme.

Accenture scrums down with Six Nations

The RBS 6 Nations has signed up Accenture as its official technology partner ahead of the start of this year’s rugby union tournament.

The agreement runs through the 2012 and 2013 Six Nations and will see the global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company deliver the official Championship mobile app. The app is available for free in the App Store for iPhone, providing Six Nations fans with access to team news, statistics, video highlights and up-to-the-minute scores throughout the Championship.

MillerCoors extends sponsorship of Penske, Brad Keselowski effort

Penske Racing officials made sure there were no issues with driver Brad Keselowski and crew chief Paul Wolfe late last season, signing both to multiyear contract extensions.

Thursday, a similar extension was announced with MillerCoors, which provides primary sponsorship for the No. 2 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team through its Miller Lite brand.

In just his second full season with Penske Racing, and his first with the Miller Lite branding, Keselowski won three Cup races, qualified for the 10-race Chase For The Sprint Cup and finished a career-best fifth in points. His contract was scheduled to end after the 2012 season, but Penske locked him in for longer last December.

Former Man United sponsor link up with Talk Sport

Electronic giant Sharp is to be the official partner of talkSPORT’s coverage of the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament this summer.

Sponsorship of the station’s coverage of the tournament will include bespoke-on air content around the live-matches being covered by the station and across all talkSport platforms, including advertising content within the channel’s sister title Sport Magazine.

Unilever pens global sponsorship for Kiefer Sutherland drama

Unilever is to sponsor the worldwide release of 20th Century Fox’s new TV drama, Touch, starring Kiefer Sutherland, as the FMCG giant looks to engage consumers on “one culturally relevant content platform.”

Unilever will use the show’s launch in more than 100 countries to introduce a global coordinated marketing strategy across its brand portfolio

London 2012 Olympics: James Ellington secures sponsorship with shaving firm after eBay hoax

James Ellington resorted to the unconventional method of attracting a sponsor on a site usually known for selling second-hand items after he missed out on fundraising opportunities due to injury.

The athlete – a 100m, 200m and relay sprinter – went up for auction in December with a £30,000 reserve.

DB Schenker proves a logical choice for ITU

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has agreed a three-year deal for DB Schenker to become the global logistics partner of the World Triathlon Series.

Thursday’s announcement follows on from the rebranding of the ITU’s World Championship Series to the World Triathlon Series. The new brand, created by the ITU in partnership with its marketing partner, Upsolut Sports, includes a modified sponsorship structure to create “a stronger and cleaner brand”. DB Schenker will provide transportation and logistics services for the World Triathlon Series which will visit eight different countries on four continents, beginning withSydneyon April 14.

Nokia Lumia sponsorship of Channel 5 found in breach by Ofcom

The ‘break flashes’ by Nokia Lumia as part of its sponsorship of Channel 5, 5* and 5USAhave been found in breach by Ofcom.

The half second ‘flashes’ were found to be in breach because they did not make clear that they were sponsorship credits, although the fact was made known in 20 second idents.

Inter bring on board more sponsors

Polish window manufacturer Oknoplast has agreed an 18-month sponsorship deal with Italian soccer club FC Internazionale, reports SportsPro.

Oknoplast will be granted branding on the Inter website and throughout the San Siro. The company, which has run an Italian operation since 2007, will also be entitled to use the Inter logo in a new national media campaign.

RFL chief hails Stobart deal

The Rugby Football League are celebrating a three-year sponsorship deal with the Stobart Group they believe could be worth up to £2.5million a year.

The nationwide logistics company, which already sponsorWidnes, have not paid any cash to secure the naming rights of the Stobart Super League but will instead freely advertise the game on their famous trucks and the RFL insist the sport will not lose out financially.

Michael Clarke signs new bat sponsorship deal

Australian skipper Michael Clarke, who won the toss and elected to bat in the Adelaide Test on Tuesday, came out to bat with a new logo– MC 329. The logo MC – 329 compliments the Australian skipper’s memorable triple hundred against India at Sydney.

Clarke has signed a three-year bat sponsorship deal and the new bat has been manufactured in a factory in Jalandhar, aNorth Indiacity.

England Rugby land Lucozade sponsorship deal

The Rugby Football Union have announced the signing of a four year deal with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the makers of Lucozade sports drinks.

GSK also make Maximuscle products, which along with Lucozade, will be used by all of England’s rugby squads.

The product deal covers the senior, youth, sevens and women’s squads.

LG reconnects with NCAA

LG Electronics USA will continue as an official corporate partner of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) after signing a new contract through to August 2015.

Under the agreement, negotiated with the NCAA’s multi-media and corporate marketing partners CBS Sports and Turner Sports, LG will have exclusive category marketing and promotional rights related to all 89 NCAA championship events across 23 different sports, including the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship and NCAA Football Championships.

The Super League concludes new sponsorship deal with Stobart group

The Rugby Football League has concluded a three-year sponsorship deal with the Stobart Group it believes could be worth up to £2.5m a year that was described by RFL chief executive Nigel Wood as: “too good to turn down”.

The nationwide logistics company, which already sponsorsWidnes, has not paid any cash to secure the naming rights of the Stobart Super League but will instead freely advertise the game on their famous trucks and the RFL insist the sport will not lose out financially

This fast-paced role will allow you to build creative and original partnership and sponsorship properties such as site takeovers and branded content all based around their mobile app, their TV and production offering and their well-developed online platform. You will be instrumental in seeking out opportunities, selling in content and campaigns, and bringing in large partnership and sponsorship deals.

You will have a partnerships or sales background within the entertainment sector with specific online experience. You will also have a well developed network within the industry and be able to hit the ground running. This is a role that demands a dynamic and entrepreneurial individual.

This role carries a very competitive bonus with lots of perks so get in touch today to discuss it in more detail.

Marketing and Sponsorship Manager – FMCG brand – 50K

One of the world’s leading FMCG brands is seeking a Marketing and Sponsorship Manager to lead and activate partnerships within sport and music.  

You will manage a large sponsorship team and be responsible for managing and activating rights across theUKwith maximum ROI gained.  You will be tasked with creating engaging and creative marketing campaigns around majorUKpartnerships within music and sport that involve ATL, experiential, PR, digital, hospitality and events. 

You must have significant experience within Marketing and Sponsorship/Partnerships and have worked clientside at some time.  You will have broad marketing experience of developing plans and activating them across multiple channels.  Also, experience in rights management would be beneficial.  You will be able to work within a fast paced environment and understand the FMCG market and dynamic. 

This is a rare role working on some of the UK’s largest sponsorships; apply today to discuss the role in more detail – alex.pavlou@majorplayers.co.uk

Senior Account Manager – global marketing agency – 35k – 38k

A top global marketing agency is looking to hire a new Senior Account Manager. The agency specialises in sponsorship, partnerships and events within sport and entertainment and they are looking for an individual with solid PR and communications experience to come on board and manage some of their largest accounts.  

Our client is looking for someone  to drive and develop accounts, build engaging and creative marketing strategy and develop interesting content both online and offline. You will have significant experience in a sponsorship or PR agency environment working with sport, sponsorship and events and a solid understanding of taking and acting on client briefs.

You will sit within the brand team for one of the agencies’ top clients, overlooking the management of various accounts while reporting into the Account Director. You will have strong communications skills and a broad understanding of the marketing mix; this should be combined with solid experience of the sponsorship activation process.

Apply today to discuss the role in more detail – alex.pavlou@majorplayers.co.uk

Client Development Director – entertainment agency – 80k – 100k

An established entertainment agency that sits within one of the worlds largest media networks is seeking a Client Development Director to manage some of its largest accounts and to develop new business opportunities with existing clients across the media network.

This hybrid role will see you account handling and developing large accounts within the agency that cross multiple marketing and media channels including sponsorship, promotions, and partnerships.  You will also be tasked with developing opportunities with existing accounts within the media network and selling-in partnerships and promotions  to international and big media spending brands.

You will have an extensive background in partnerships gained either within an agency or with a rights holder and significant experience of working with international brands.  You will be a top pitcher with experience of dealing with very senior marketers and be able to identify and develop business development opportunities.  This role calls for a dynamic, quick-thinking and personable individual.

Apply today for a confidential discussion about this senior opportunity – alex.pavlou@majorplayers.co.uk

Account Manager - global marketing agency – 30k – 35k

A top global marketing agency is looking to hire a new Account Manager. The agency specialises in sponsorship, events and experiential marketing and is looking for an individual with solid internal communications and /or employee engagement experience to work with one of their key clients.  

The client is a high profile London 2012 Olympic sponsor and this is an excellent opportunity to manage and implement sponsorship and communications strategies across their business. You will be comfortable working with a B2B brand and will also demonstrate a working knowledge of sponsorship and how it fits in the wider marketing mix.   You will also have experience of internal comms and have an understanding of employee engagement. 

You will have experience managing projects, dealing with rights holders and delivering events.   You will demonstrate the ability to produce first rate commuinication materials whilst also showing excellent attention to detail.

This is a rare role working with one of London 2012’s largest sponsors; apply today to discuss the role in more detail – alex.pavlou@majorplayers.co.uk

Business Director – global leader in media – 60k – 65k

A Business Director role has become available within an agency that is a global leader in media.  They are seeking a senior candidate to sit within their central team to work on their biggest client.

You will be tasked with understanding the complexities of the brands business and industry on an international level.  You will then develop key strategic plans based around sponsorship, media, digital and partnerships and work collaboratively with different teams around the media agency to make sure these plans are delivered. 

You will be an all-rounder with an agency background.  You will have knowledge of the media landscape and understanding of how sponsorship and partnerships fit within this complex landscape.  You will a senior strategic planner who is able to develop and implement plans and also present these plans to a very senior level.  You will also have international experience.

This is an urgent hire so get in touch – alex.pavlou@majorplayers.co.uk

VIRGIN Money stamped its new North-East credentials on the region last night with its name replacing Northern Rock on the front of Newcastle United’s shirts.

The branding was unveiled as the team took on Manchester United at St James’ Park.

Sir Richard Branson’s banking venture completed its £747m purchase ofNewcastle-based Northern Rock from the Government on Sunday.

Last night, Virgin Money confirmed a deal to sponsor Newcastle until the 2014-15 season.

England become bookie’s favourite after FA strikes William Hill deal

The Football Association has signed its first ever sponsorship deal with a bookmaker, unveiling William Hill as an “official supporter” of both England and the FA Cup.

The two-and-a-half year deal means that the FA has now filled its roster of main sponsors and second-tier “supporters” for the four-year cycle to the Brazil World Cup in 2014, despite the economic gloom andEngland’s underperformance at the 2010 World Cup.

Last year it signed deals with Vauxhall and Budweiser to be the main sponsors of theEnglandteam and the FA Cup respectively, replacing Nationwide and E.ON. Other key sponsors include McDonald’s, Carlsberg, Mars, Umbro and Tesco.

Air Asia commits to Caterham F1

AirAsia has agreed a one-year extension to its sponsorship of Caterham F1 as the team prepares to enter the 2012 Formula One season under its new moniker.

Caterham team principal Tony Fernandes founded AirAsia and according to a filing to the Bursa Malaysia the airline has committed US$1.14 million for company media space and a further $315,000 for additional advertising, on-ground and PR-related activities. An AirAsia statement read: “Under the extension, AirAsia shall be an official team partner of Caterham F1 and title sponsors of the (driver development) programme for the duration of the 2012 F1 racing season at the same terms as provided in the agreement, except in relation to the sponsorship amount from the company to Caterham F1.”

Smart move: Domino’s cashes in on TV deals

PIZZA delivery firm Domino’s has managed to grab a greater slice of the market thanks to TV sponsorship and booming sales via smartphones.

The firm yesterday said sales at its 604 stores open for more than a year were up 3.6 per cent in the fourth quarter to 25 December, compared with 3 per cent growth for the year as a whole. Booming online trade has been fuelled by the increased use of smartphones, which drive 12.6 per cent of the group’s web-based orders.

Jessica Ennis will rake in nearly £1million in personal endorsements in year up to London 2012 Olympics

TEAM GB golden girl Jessica Ennis will have raked in close to £1million from personal endorsements during the 12 months running up to this summer’s London Olympics.

And the Sheffield-based heptathlon star will continue to enjoy financial rewards from increased exposure in the build-up to London 2012.

She has already landed several lucrative personal sponsorship deals with companies, including adidas.

Ennis is also earmarked as the unofficial face of the Games for Team GB, in a similar fashion to Carl Lewis at the Los Angeles Games in 1984 and Cathy Freeman at the Sydney Games in 2000.

The 25-year-old World Championship silver medalist has been hotly tipped for Olympic glory and her marketable image has helped to boost her earnings significantly.

You will be managing partnerships, making sure rights are delivered and developing and implementing creative and crucial activation plans.  You will also be managing the communications for the Olympic teams and developing hospitality programmes.  This role will see you working very closely with clients and you will therefore manage other agency relationships.

You will have a sponsorship background with essential communications experience.  You will also have worked on a mix of accounts within B2C and B2B areas and have experience of dealing with rights holders.  

This is a unique role to work on important Olympic accounts.  Send your details through today to alex.pavlou@majorplayers.co.uk for more information.

For every pound spent of sponsorship, two or three must be spent on activating it especially if you are a consumer facing brand.  The question will ultimately be whether the big brands will be able to step up and create engaging campaigns that stand out in the congested Olympic sponsor market.  For example Adidas who are the official sponsor of British Olympic athletes will provide all London 2012 staff and volunteers with sportswear during the Games and they hope to grab market share of Nike who hold 18% of the sports apparrel market to Adidas’ 15%.  Despite this with 70% of Olympic visitors planning to pass through the Westfield Stratford centre Nike has built a huge new concept store hoping to showcase its new products.  There is strong competition in all product categories and non-Olympic sponsors, many of whom are experts at ambush marketing, will be making things very tough. 

Also with massive amounts of spending involved are Olympic sponsors able to build campaigns that allow the Olympics to remain “the greenest Games in history”.  BMW for example have recently announced that they will be ferrying VIP’s to and from the Games in luxury with 4000 brand-new 3 and 5 series saloons being shipped over from Germany.  Added to this several Sponsors already have to help turn around negative opinion of their brands following controversies.  For example BP, EDF, Rio Tinto and Dow Chemicals have all been engaged in controversy and negative press surrounding many of their activities and also on their sponsoring of the Games in general so it will be interesting to see how they will turn around their image.  

The Olympics has 55 sponsors making marketing around the Games difficult and challenging.  For most of these sponsors however it is more of an image thing rather than a case of seeing a return on sales.  McDonalds has sponsored the Games since 1976 and so if they suddenly dropped out it would look odd and would effect they’re overall brand identity.  This year they are pushing they’re CSR strategy showcasing British Farmers who supply they restaurants.   I’m interested in seeing what all the different brands and I’ll make sure to update the website on stand-out campaigns. 

Major Players are working with agencies, brands and federations all involved in the London 2012 Games so if you’re keen on finding some freelance talent over the busy period or you’re looking to work on the Games then get in touch – alex.pavlou@majorplayers.co.uk.

As an added bonus and just to show I’ve got the Olympic spirit here’s a picture of me carrying the Olympic torch for Samsung last week in Austria ahead of the Youth Winter Olympic Games. 

Under Armour signs first footwear deal with NBA

Under Armour is signing its first official sponsorship deal with the NBA, according to the company.

Under the multi-year deal, Under Armour will be able to show NBA endorsers Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks, Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Bobcats and Greivis Vasquez of the Memphis Grizzlies in their NBA uniforms in advertising and promotional efforts.

NBA’s Stocking Full Of New Sponsors

The National Basketball Association will be hitting the court with new sponsorship deals this week, starting with three expanded deals with Gatorade, Budweiser and AutoTrader.com. All have all signed on for multi-year deals, with Gatorade, the league’s longest-running marketing partner, continuing as the Official Sports Drink Partner of the NBA and now its Official Sports Performance Nutrition Partner.

Budweiser’s expansion with the NBA keeps it as Official Beer Partner of the NBA, dating back to 1998. The brand, which also has partnerships with 26 NBA teams, is launching fan experiences at  Christmas Day games, All-Star Game and NBA Playoffs.

BP pledges £10m art sponsorship

Oil giant BP says it will continue to sponsor theBritishMuseum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Opera House and TateBritain, pledging £10m over the next five years.

The company announced the “renewal and expansion” of its support for the institutions at aBritishMuseumevent.

The announcement follows controversy over BP’s backing for the Tate after theGulf of Mexicooil spill in 2010.

Guinness, NFF sign 2-year sponsorship deal

Guinness Nigeria plc continues over a decade of investment in Nigerian football by confirming its sponsorship of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for at least the next two years.

Commenting on the renewal, Secretary General of the NFF, Musa Amadu said: “The NFF is proud to continue working alongside Guinness on this journey to greatness over the next 24 months. We have some audacious goals, with CAN 2013 and the FIFA World Cup 2014 on the horizon.

Irish FA set to agree lucrative new kit sponsorship

The Irish FA are on the verge of agreeing the biggest ever sponsorship deal for theNorthern Irelandteam.

The contract with Adidas as the new kit supplier would be worth in excess of £500,000 over four years.

BBC Sport NI understands that the deal is set to start in August next year when the current deal with JJB expires.

Britain’s Got Talent to be sponsored by Virgin Media in seven-figure deal

Virgin Media has signed a multimillion-pound deal to sponsor ITV’sBritain’s Got Talent, the cable operator’s biggest TV sponsorship since 2007.

Under the deal, which also includes sponsorship of theUSversionAmerica’s Got Talent on ITV2, Virgin Media will sponsor the TV show, official website, mobile services and “a host of off-air licensing opportunities”.

Virgin Media has not undertaken a major TV sponsorship since 2007 when the company hooked up with Channel 4′s Big Brother.

Any big sponsorship deals, any sports scandals that shocked you, any senior appointments in the sports industry, any impressive sports marketing campaigns and anything else that you can think of this is the place to start discussing them before the start of 2012.

Look forward to seeing what you guys come up with!

This role will see you account handling and consulting with one of the biggest UK investors in media and sponsorship.  You will assess and strategically devise plans on an international level that maximize and deliver on key client objectives.  You will be the main point of contact and have a global remit in creating media plans and sponsorship activity.

You must have first class account handling skills with a long track record of managing clients at an international level.  You will also have strong experience in a mix of media channels, most importantly, digital and sponsorship.  You will also be strategically focused and be able to convey ideas and concepts at a senior level. 

If you are a strong strategic thinker who is well-versed in the media and sponsorship industry then get in touch today to discuss this incredible opportunity.

Please send over your details to alex.pavlou@majorplayers.co.uk